Editing Services

In addition to writing, I edit manuscripts and short stories, memoirs, collections. I am part of a network of Writers-Who-Edit, so chances are that if I can’t do it, I can recommend someone who can.

What I Offer

Novels, Novellas, Collections

Edit: I will read your novel, at least once, and make line-by-line (LBL) corrections and suggestions. These include everything from proofreading for grammar and punctuation errors to editing for structure and pace, continuity and character, to comments on what’s working and what isn’t.

Report:  I prepare an exhaustive report, or assessment of the work, with a short comment on how each chapter is working, and then a longer developmental critique of structure, character, setting, voice and so on. If appropriate I will make suggestions or recommendations about what markets or agents I think worth pursuing. 

Extras: A one hour Skype session or face-to-face meeting as part of the service, before further charges might apply. Unlimited email correspondence, within reason. As a creative writing instructor with a PhD in writing, I am happy to offer beginners extra instruction.

Discounts: I offer student discounts.

Jenny Breukelaar creative writing course

Short Stories, Articles

Edit: I will read your piece, at least once, and make line-by-line (LBL) proofreading changes, as well as editorial and developmental comments.

Report:  Again, I prepare a comprehensive report on how the story is working, and how to getting it from almost there to all there. My report includes comments on character, structure, language, story and all the other good stuff. I always like to know if the author has a market or competition in mind so that I can tailor my critique to that option, or suggest others. 

Extras: Email or messaging within reason; extra instruction for beginners.

Discounts: Student and repeat customer discounts.

I am Wowed

Reading (and rereading and re-rereading) your extensive and remarkably deep comments. I am wowed. Had to look up a few words – picaresque? Accepting 95% of proposed changes… so far.
SG.

Masterclass in Thinking

Working with JS Breukelaar on a short story was a kind of masterclass in thinking differently about my work. She broke open paragraphs, discovered new directions, turned sentences upside down and shook out the flaws. And she’s as fastidious, considerate and patient as they come.
Sam Twyford-Moore
co-editor of Cutwater Literary Anthology and curator of the Sydney Emerging Writers Festival

Gratifying to Work With

Words cannot express how gratifying it was to work with an editor as skilled as J.S. Breukelaar. I gained lots of encouragement, many insights and much needed direction from the edit she provided. J.S. Breukelaar’s deep understanding of literature and thorough comments improved my manuscript by a factor of ten. There is no overestimating the positive impact that this editor delivered to my writing and I cannot wait to work with her again
Eddie Kedge
eddiekedge.com

Fees

Novels, Novellas, Collections

$75/hour

Short Stories

Up to 2500 words: $200

Up to 5000 words: $300 

Up to 8000 words: $500

If you have something you’d like me to look at, I’d love to hear from you:

.